hampi & anegundi: history & mythology, hills & rivers!

hampi & anegundi: history & mythology, hills & rivers!

Hampi is a fantasy land for the ones who enjoy indulging in ancient ruins and rocks. India's most ancient site of civilization is a World Heritage Site and home to some of the most bewitching temples. The enchanted land is laced with lush green paddy fields and banana plantations. Hampi is full of rustic life and ethnicity. A bullock cart ride through the several small villages will let you slip into the lives of the local people. Go for walks in plantations and see the green patches encased with coconut trees and have a traditional south Indian meal at a local restaurant.

What to do there

Hampi offers to the traveler a variety of experiences. You can explore prehistoric sites where you will delight in rock & cave paintings and a Megalithic burial site that will leave you awed.

This Capital of the Vijaynagar empire has left behind traces of its former glory in the monuments that make you re-live what once was. Walk in the ruins of this ancient City with a guide who will narrate its celebrated History or just spend some time admiring the rich architecture and art.

In this Kishkinda you can trace the Ramayana. Go on a trail and discover Hanuman’s Birthplace, Shabri’s Cave, Vali’s Fort, Sugriva’s Cave and more!!!

Trek to Anjanadri where you can watch a breathtaking sunrise, participate in the morning aarti and sit back on a rock and soak in a bird’s eye view of Hampi. It is a landscape like no other – green fields, thousands of boulders and ancient ruins!

Sit by the Tungabhadra – read, chat and even enjoy a meal.

Do visit the Chintamani Temple which contains several mandapas, temples and a natural cave, where Rama is said to have held meetings with Sugreeva and Hanuman. The temple also shines majestically on a moonlit night.

Enjoy the rich folk songs and dances of Anegundi and Hampi.

the land of vali and sugreev

Just 5 kilometers separate Anegundi from Hampi, with the temperamental Tungabhadra River forming the fissure. But this village could not be more different from the touristy bustle of its more flamboyant cousin. Anegundi (‘elephant’s pit’ in Kannada) is still basic, still culturally pristine, and still endlessly beautiful.

Anegundi has multiple points of significance, even a mythological milestone – this place is supposed to be the Kishkinda of the Ramayana, and the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. No wonder then that over 600 temples dedicated to the monkey god dot the landscape. The most significant of these is the Anjanadri Temple, located on the Anjanadri Hill, offering every visitor a pit stop of piety, and some breath-taking views of the entire landscape.

Historically, Anegundi is one of the oldest spots on the planet, and rock paintings belonging to the Neolithic Age can still be seen here. During the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, Anegundi truly came into its own. In the 21st century, it has become a prime rural tourism destination, put on the popularity map by its burgeoning banana fibre cottage industry. Anegundi breathes at an easy pace. Its people are unhurried, they enjoy their coffee even when the sun is scorching their ground, and they love having visitors.

Here you can walk the streets without ever losing the feel of being at home. Quaint little homes populate this place, with friendly families running small eateries and home-stays.

Under a moonlit night, Anegundi’s charm can defeat the most eloquent in their craft. Sitting on the amazingly beautiful rock formations, with the river gushing by, epiphanies will be many.

Today, Anegundi comes under the Hampi World Heritage Site, and its many temples and mantapas are under good protection. If there was ever a site to feel completely disarmed by natural beauty, this is the one.

Shopping Tips

The Banana Fibre Crafts Shop – from handbags, purses, hats, carpets….its fascinating to check out the creative ways in which banana fiber has been processed locally to please aesthetically.

Go get carried away in the Hampi Bazzar where you can pick, choose and buy whatever pleases your eye - from musical instruments, to trinkets and gods carved in stone. Walk in the streets where the nobles and rich merchants of old sold gold and diamonds.

If you so desire to purchase beautiful Ilkal Saries, Gangawati(20km from Anegundi) in the place to be.

Itinerary

Day 1 - EXPLORE Anegundi - The Vanar Kingdom

Arrive in Anegundi in the morning, and relax.

Take a tour of this quaint little place. Visit Chintamani Temple. Vis-it the banana leaf handicrafts centre, and interact with the self-help groups there. Slip in some minor shopping as well.

Visit Gagan Mahal, and then cross the road to savour some authentic filter kaapi at a traditional little eatery. An interaction with Ramdeva Raya of the erstwhile ruling family of Anegundi is an enlightening experience, and we hope to make an audience with him possible for you.

Visit the fascinating ruins of the 15th-century city of Vijayanagara/Hampi. Explore the rich mélange of temples, architectural splendours of Hampi. Our trusted guide, Kumar, will accompany you throughout, sharing a brilliant array of information on the place.

We recommend lunch at Goan Corner at Gaddi. Crossing a brilliantly green paddy field to get to the restaurant is part of the charm of this experience. And the menu is eclectic, so foodies can rejoice!

Day 3 - Visit Lord Hanumans birthplace and a rock painting site

Wake up early, and climb Anjanadri Hill – Lord Hanuman is said to have been born in a cave in this hill. The peak offers excellent views of the countryside, the Tungabhadra river and the monuments across the river in Hampi. It is also a beautiful sunrise and sunset point.

Hike to Vali Quila (you can get an aerial view of Pampa Sarovar from here). Vali Quila was built during the medieval times, but must have been within the ramparts of the mythical Kishkindha ruled by Vali, due to its perfect position and distance from Rishimukh.

Visit the fascinating rock paintings at Chikka Rampur. Visit Pampa Sarovar and Sabri cave. Evening documentary screeing - 'koi sunta hai', a documentary film by shabnam virmani on the influence of kabir on musical prodigy kumar gandharva, the documentary explores the relation between the two. This film searches for that elusive sound, that jhini si awaaz, kabir urges us to hear.

Day 4 Sugriva’s cave

Visit Rishimukh for Sugriva's Cave and Kotilinga Tirtha – a hike on the boulders that reveals the rich traditions and rituals of the period.

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